Friends and family of Simon Gorecki will gather for his funeral at Barham Crematorium on Wednesday.

Mr Gorecki, 47, died of knife wounds alongside his partner Natasha Sadler, 40, at his home in Dickens Avenue on Canterbury's Poets Estate on the night of March 29.

Mechanic Foster Christian, 53, has been charged with two murders.

Due to the criminal investigation, members of Mr Gorecki's have had to wait three months to make the funeral arrangements.

The former Goods Shed fishmonger spent his early years in London before moving to Canterbury.

An avid West Ham United fan, Mr Gorecki was one of three brothers and two sisters.

Younger brother Adam Devlin, 46, said: "It's been a long and complicated process. But at least now we will be able to hold Simon's funeral.

"It will be a celebration of Simon's life.

"His life was not without its problems, but Simon was relentlessly optimistic and resilient, he bounced back from a lot of things most people wouldn't have. He always bounced back.

"Having spent some time with his friends and spoken with his ex work colleagues, have found out just what a massive hole he has left in so many lives.

"Any friends or well wishers who aren't already intending to come to the service or wake are welcome, we just want to finally give him the day and the send off he deserves.

"There is no specific dress code for the occasion, people can wear black if they feel they should but they don't have to.

"I myself will be wearing a splash of claret and blue in homage to Simon's greatest love, West Ham United."

Foster Christian lived in the same house as Mr Gorecki and was arrested at the scene of the incident. He has been in custody since.

He is also charged with wounding Mrs Sadler's son, Connaugh Harris, 20, and a 16-year-old boy, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, with intent to do grievous bodily harm.

Miss Sadler's funeral took place last month in Margate, the town where she had grown up.

Mr Gorecki's funeral takes place at Barham Crematorium at 3.20pm on Wednesday. There is no dress code.

The wake will be held at the Jackdaw Inn, Denton.

Floral tributes should be be sent to TDM Funerals, Fieldings, Stoneheap Road, East Studdal, Dover, CT15 5BU.

Charitable donations can be made to the National Autistic Society or Pilgrims Hospice Canterbury.